A science fiction staple – human hibernation is now being seriously studied.
Hibernating astronauts would need a much smaller spaceship, which would be easier to shield from radiation. They would not need to carry as much food. Sleeping through it would also reduce the risk of psychological issues causing inter-crew conflicts that are also a science fiction staple, but a very real risk when you have a small group of people that isolated.
We don't have a reliable way to induce long-term hibernation in humans yet, but we're looking into it.
The astronauts would, like bears, have to store body fat for the trip. In fact it might even be that the first Mars crew to be sent using this would be selected for being what livestock people call "easy keepers." In other words, people who put on weight at a drop of a hat would have a higher chance of surviving long-term hibernation in good condition.
They're predicting that it would take 2 to 3 weeks for the astronauts to recover (muscles not used for five months are going to be weak, for example). But that mission cost would be overwhelmed by the advantages.
What do you think? Should we sleep our way to Mars?
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